Oh how I long to be visiting the Maldives.
Visiting the Maldives
A paradise on earth that winds through twenty-six atolls of peace and serenity, a dream that comes true and a journey that leaves its mark after seeing its white beaches and its crystal clear waters nothing will be the same as before.
But before leaving to the beautiful Maldives, it is necessary to go into the details of this exclusive destination and take a closer look at the atolls. In fact, even if they share warm and transparent sea water, white beaches and tropical nature, each island has specific characteristics of shape, size and coral reef.
Choose the right atoll for you
It would be appropriate to understand if you want the presence of the coral reef: it is a yes for lovers of the submarine world and snorkelling given the extraordinary possibilities of exploration a few strokes from the shore. If, on the other hand, you are not a snorkeler and prefer a simple sandy shore, you should opt for an atoll with less reef.
Malé Atoll
The heart of the Maldives, Malé is home to the homonymous capital and is one of the most famous atolls for the facilities it offers and for the variety of flora and fauna, and of course for the extraordinary sea. Malé provides wonderful snorkelling and diving experiences from sunrise to sunset. It is divided into two parts, north and south, separated by the Wadu Canal. The southern part boasts numerous islands with incredible coral reefs, such as Bodufinolhu and Finolhu. The northern part stretches over about 50 islands, enchanting lagoons and exclusive eco-chic stays immersed in the lush nature of a tropical paradise, ideal for a family holiday or a romantic getaway for two. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world: small strips of sand so white as to dazzle and a dreamlike sea.
Among the blue sea there are also suggestive tourist attractions, such as Independence Square, the monumental square of the capital.
Ari Atoll
It is a small atoll. Its islets are surrounded by strips of very white sand and by a sea that immediately becomes deep blue. The Ari atoll is divided into two parts, Alifu Dhaalu in the south and Alifu Alifu in the north, commonly called South Ari and North Ari. In north Ari you fill find the atoll of Rasdhoo and Thoddoo: Rasdhoo is the administrative capital of Ari Nord and it can be reached in just over three hours with a public ferry service from Malé, which is repeated three times a week.
Another important locality is Kuramathi, one of the five on the outside of the atoll. Its position in the southern part overlooks the coral reef of the atoll, while the northern part offers beautiful beaches overlooking the lagoon that surrounds the atoll. A long and thin strip of sand stretches on the west side, and walking along it, surrounded by turquoise water from all sides is an experience not to be missed. There are also diving centres on the island to explore the beautiful seabed of Rasdhoo and daily excursions to nearby islands, group snorkeling or fishing trips, picnics on desert islands.
For water sports lover: from canoeing to windsurfing, from water skiing to sailing, passing through special activities such as banana rides, this is what you can find. In the midst of so much entertainment, however, you can not help but simply spend time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the island. As in all the Maldives, Rasdhoo presents fine, white sands in which to alternate sunbathing and diving in the splendid turquoise waters, sometimes resting in the shade of palm trees. This natural paradise can be reached by seaplane, for a journey of about 20 minutes.
Baa Atoll
The original name of the Baa atoll is Maalhosmadulu South with its 13 uninhabited islands and 11 resorts. It is about 105 km from Male’ and can be reached by seaplane or internal flight.
The district of Baa is made up of two atolls, the largest, south of Raa, is the administrative atoll, while the other, much smaller, is Goidhoo which includes only three islands: Goidhoo, Fulhandhoo and Fehendhoo. Thulhaadhoo is famous in the Maldives for its lacquered ceramics.
A walk through the streets of the island will allow you to observe the various stages of processing of these unique furnishings. It is also known for its skilled fishermen.
Atoll Noonu
The Noonu Atoll is located at the southern end of the geographical area that includes Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani and Landhoo. Landhoo was for several centuries in the Maldives a famous centre for engraving and stone working.
It is possible to admire a Hawitta(Maldivian pyramid) or a 20-foot high Tumula and the remains of a Buddhist temple dating back more than a thousand years. In addition, in the site have been renewed some statues.
Lhaviyani atoll
Lhaviyani, with its 37 km of size and 35 km of length, is a small atoll of the Maldives made up of 60 islands, five of which are inhabited. Unless its dimensions though, it can be considered among the most beautiful ones. It is about 120 km from Male’ and can be reached by seaplane. It is a dreamy location, both for people that are looking for find sand beaches and for those looking for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Best period to choose your stay in the Maldives
The best time to avoid as much as possible long rains and humidity, goes from December to April, during the dry season. For those who want to escape the cold winter and enjoy sunny days in front of postcard landscapes, is the time to book your stay.
Book your stay in the Maldives
A new trend for those who decide to go to the Maldives is to choose no longer a mega luxury resort, but a simple accommodation. It is easy to find the best economic accommodation in the Maldives, where there is no lack of essential comfort, of course. Cleaning, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and deckchairs where you can relax in the sun. The rest, it doesn’t matter. Especially since they cost much less than the most famous resorts. Check out Bluepillow’s website and book your amazing stay in the Maldives!
Visiting the Maldives is a feature post you might also like my post on my summer bucket list